From January 18 to 20 I had the honour, at the invitation of the Honourable Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, to visit each of the six communities on the North Coast of Labrador. We were also accompanied on this visit by the Honourable Minister of Labrador Affairs and the Honourable Minister of Transportation and Works.

While in the community of Postville we had a meeting with the Angajukkâk and the community government. During this meeting the community government members expressed concern that their community was the only one on the north coast without a Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. Later that evening all ministers held a public forum in the community where various issues were discussed. It was clear during the course of the meeting the topic of most interest for the residents of Postville was the desire for an increased RCMP presence. While they believed the officers who police the community from Makkovik are dedicated and professional officers, they felt an increased presence was warranted.

The RCMP district commander for Labrador was present that evening and in response to the concerns raised the RCMP provided a short-term strategy for Postville. Patrols from detachments in Makkovik, Hopedale and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, including weekend patrols, have been increased. I believe the RCMP should be commended for this quick action.

Further, the passionate case for an increased police presence in Postville was deeply moving to all ministers present at the community meeting and our government took action. In Budget 2010 we funded two new RCMP members for Labrador at a cost of approximately $273,000 annually. These officers will serve as part of the current Labrador Relief Team in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and will increase the complement of officers on the relief team to six. These two new officers will now be present in Postville for patrol 20 days each month.

Our commitment to policing in this province is unquestionable. In Budget 2010 we have also provided the RCMP Major Crime Unit in Gander with $100,000 to fund an additional Internet Child Exploitation officer which will serve the entire province. Since 2004, we have put 57 new RCMP officers on the street, including funding the Labrador Relief Team in 2007, and increased the force's budget by $19 million.

I would like to thank my colleague, the Honourable Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, for the invitation to visit the North Coast of Labrador and for her representation on behalf of the residents of Postville. The opportunity to visit these communities, meet with residents and discuss their issues firsthand is worth a hundred briefings. I look forward to continuing to work with the minister, the Postville community government and its residence to ensure a safe community for everyone.